January 2024 Franklin Library News & Events
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Weekly/Monthly Events for Children
Special Events for Kids & Families
Weekly/Monthly Events for Teens
Special Events for Teens
Events for Adults
**LIBRARY NEWS**
Library Hours
The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will be closed December 31st and January 1st & 15th.
Franklin Public Library’s 2024 Reading Challenge!
January Challenge: An author’s debut book
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's first Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. If you complete all 12 months (again, submissions must be received on time to qualify) you will be entered in to win one of multiple grand prizes! For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library.
New Year, New Library Catalog!
We are so excited about the brand new, super user-friendly catalog! Try it out yourself! Go to franklin.minlib.net, click on “sign in” (upper right of the page), and enter your library card and pin number, and start exploring, searching & requesting. We think you’ll love it as much as we do!
Questions? Contact the library Reference Desk at 508-520-4941, x4525.
Creativebug announces their new accessibility widget
Creativebug, the online video arts & crafts database, now has a wide variety of screen optimizations for users of all abilities. Once you create an account and log in there will be a red button with a white stick figure in the lower left corner. Click on that button to make your adjustments. Find out more about the options available here. Visit the library’s Free Online Databases page to find Creativebug and all of the other great databases available for free through the library.
Museum Passes
Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area’s most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, January 19th, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday January 20th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 Fill A Bag, Saturday, January 20th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can for only $5.00!
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
In our second year of providing free tax preparation assistance through the VITA IRS program the Franklin Public Library is looking for volunteers! While tax season starts in February; planning, training, and scheduling can begin today! To sign up or to find more information please email Site Coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net!
Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program
Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly. No prior teaching experience needed! Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library’s website.
**LIBRARY EVENTS**
Weekly/Monthly Events for Children
Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!
Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00-6:00PM (7+)
Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up)
Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30AM
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!
Get Ready for Kindergarten! Tuesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program featuring stories, songs, activities, and a special craft will help prepare your children for preschool and kindergarten. Since a big part of getting ready for Kindergarten is practicing independence, parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room. No registration required
Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let’s play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required
Story Tots! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 18mos. – 3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required
Bookworm Bounce! Wednesdays @ 4:00PM
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Ideal for ages 0-5. No registration required
Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby’s development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby’s comfort!
Story and Craft! Thursdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
Stories, activities, and a special craft for children ages 3-5 who are able to attend on their own! Parents are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room! This program lasts around 30-minutes. No registration is required.
Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let’s play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required
Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00 PM (Ages 5-11)
Registration required per event. Register on the Calendar of Events
Join local instructor Sharon Carloni for this step-by-step craft specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own masterpiece!
This month’s projects are:
Jan 4 - Line Pattern Painting
Jan 11 - Rhythm Line Painting to music
Jan 18 - "My favorite dessert!" Part I - Background & construction
Jan 25 - "My favorite dessert!" Part II - Dessert & Assembly
Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
Let’s play some music and get those feet moving! Join us for 30-minutes of creative movement and dancing fun! No registration required
Move Along! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required
Weekend Wiggles! Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! Let’s play some music and dance! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required
Special Events for Kids & Families
Kids Take & Makes: Polar Bear Bookmarks! Available Tuesday, January 2nd
Starting Tuesday, January 2nd stop by the library to pick up your very own Polar Bear Bookmark Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own bookmark! The perfect craft to have for a new year of reading! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Polar Bear Bookmark Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
Science Series! Saturday January 6th @1:00PM
No Registration Required
Join us for a special science workshop, brought to you by volunteers from the Franklin High School Science department! Ideal for kids ages 7+!
Doggie Tales! Monday, January 8th @ 4:00 PM (1st grade +)
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Register on our website to reserve your spot.
Tricky Trivia Thursday, January 11th @ 6:30 PM
No Registration Required
Are you ready to prove your trivia knowledge is more than trivial? Do you have the facts to fight for the title of Franklin’s Trivia Master? Join us for snacks and a Family Trivia Challenge at the Library!
Play as a team or go solo for ultimate bragging rights!
Petite Picassos! Tuesday January 16th @3:00PM
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a winter-themed kitty! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided! REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Penguin Scavenger Hunt! Saturday, January 20th – Saturday, February 3rd
We're celebrating National Penguin Day! Can you find all the penguins hiding throughout the library?!
Tu B’Shevat! Saturday January 20th @12:00PM
Join us for a special celebration of the Jewish Holiday also known as "New Year of the Trees!" Celebrate with games, crafts, snacks, activities and more! Presented in partnership with Temple Etz Chaim!
Doggie Tales! Monday, January 22nd @ 4:00 PM (1st grade +)
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Register on our website to reserve your spot.
Family Literacy Night! Wednesday January 24th, 5:30-7:30PM
Join us for an evening celebration of reading for the whole family! Presented in partnership with the Franklin Public schools! Browse our curated tables of family read-alouds, get tips, tricks, and free resources to make reading fun at home, and visit with Franklin’s favorite police dogs for some fun independent reading practice!
Kids Paint Party! Saturday January 27th @ 1:00PM
For kids ages 5-11! Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own penguin themed masterpiece! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! The same painting will be taught in Dec, Jan, and Feb - please only register for 1 date.
Weekly/Monthly Events for Teens
Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, @ 4:00-6:00PM (Ages 7+)
Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up)
Teens looking for volunteer hours can earn them being a Dungeon Master. For more details contact Miss. Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net.
Teen Advisory Board! 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30PM
Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board! The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!
Game Bytes! Thursdays @ 4:00PM
No registration required
Bring a snack and let's play! Bring your own devices or try a retro game while we talk shop about the latest and greatest in Video Games! New Releases, Events, Streamers, Speed Running and more!!
Board Game Group, Tuesday, January 16th @ 6:00 PM
No Registration Required.
Try a new game! Introduce your favorite! Most importantly... Play games!
This a monthly group dedicated to the great board games out there and a space to find some new people to play with! All ages welcome!
Special Events for Teens
Teen Vision Board Making! Wednesday January 10th @5:30PM
No Registration Required.
Teens! Set your intentions for 2024! Join us as we get crafty, creating vision board collages for the new year!
Tricky Trivia Thursday, January 11th @ 6:30 PM
No Registration Required
Are you ready to prove your trivia knowledge is more than trivial? Do you have the facts to fight for the title of Franklin’s Trivia Master? Join us for snacks and a Family Trivia Challenge at the Library!
Play as a team or go solo for ultimate bragging rights!
Teen Paint Party! Wednesday, January 17th @6:00PM
For Teens Ages 12+!! Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party for teens! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own cozy winter painting! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!!
Narcan Training for the Community with the SAFE Coalition! Wednesday, January 31st @ 6:30 PM
No Registration Required!
Join the SAFE Coalition for a 20 minute training in the implementation of Narcan and be better prepared to save a life. During this training the SAFE Coalition will bring in their CPR dummies, discuss what an opioid and an overdose is, learn how to access for a medical emergency like an overdose, and walk through the steps of administering Narcan.
Events for Adults
Adult Take & Makes: Chunky Knit Planters! Available Tuesday, January 2nd
Starting Tuesday, January 2nd stop by the library to pick up your very own Chunky Knit Planter kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own clay planter! The perfect craft for a cozy winter day! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis! LIMIT 1 KIT PER PERSON.
Knitting Group Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friends of Franklin Library Meeting, Wednesday, January 3rd @ 6:30 PM
Love the Library? Then how about joining the Friends! Attend the next Friends of Franklin Library meeting! Contact the FOFL at: fofl02038@gmail.com | Follow the Friends on Twitter: @FriendsFranklin
The Weekend Watercolor Sunday, January 7th & 21st @ 2:00 PM
Registration Required. Register here.
Project Details: Snowy landscape painting & Patterns in Watercolor a’ la Gustav Klimpt
Relax with a Sunday watercolor class for adults 18 and over.
Table Top, Tuesday, January 9th & 23rd @ 6:00 PM
Registration Required. No Experience Necessary.
It's time to dust off your dice, grab a source book and role play your way through hijinks and horrors! Table Top is a Monthly game of Table Top Role Playing Games for Adults!
Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up or get more info!
Tricky Trivia Thursday, January 11th @ 6:30 PM
No Registration Required
Are you ready to prove your trivia knowledge is more than trivial? Do you have the facts to fight for the title of Franklin’s Trivia Master? Join us for snacks and a Family Trivia Challenge at the Library!
Play as a team or go solo for ultimate bragging rights!
Chess Group, Sundays, January 14th & 28th @ 2:00 PM
Chess - The Game of Kings has resumed play! All ages and ability levels are welcomed. If you would like to learn how to play chess, you are welcome as well! Learn an opening, develop strategic & tactic abilities, improve endgame skills. Sets will be available. No registration is required, and there is no fee.
Board Game Group, Tuesday, January 16th @ 6:00 PM
No Registration Required.
Try a new game! Introduce your favorite! Most importantly... Play games!
This a monthly group dedicated to the great board games out there and a space to find some new people to play with! All ages welcome!
“The Boatbuilders” Pre-release Screening & Discussion Thursday January 18th @ 6:30 PM
No Registration Required
Join Director Gregg Seibert and Producer & Historian R. A. Lawson for a Pre-release screening of the first episode and Discussion of their new Documentary Series, “The Boatbuilders”! The docuseries uncovers the historical legacy and present-day impact of the boat building community, showcasing boatbuilders, sailors, and owners who speak to the realities of boat building today, along with the challenges and rewards of maintaining the legacy and beauty of historic sailing vessels. The first episode focuses on Rhode Island.
Tax Preparation Help with VITA Registration Day Jan. 20th 10 AM - 4PM
Come to the library January 20th and get your appointment for Tax preparation help. This is a walk in event where volunteers will help you assess your needs, double check paperwork, and get you an appointment to file your taxes in February, March, or April.
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
- People who generally make $60,000 or less
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
Genealogy Club Thursday January 25 @ 6:30 PM
Newspaper Treasures: Beyond the Obit. with Erin Moulton
Open to all, no registration required
How can newspapers help us with our genealogical research? What treasures do they hold beyond the standard obit? The truth is, historical local newspapers are equivalent to our current day social media. They often told of social calls, well-being and personal anecdotes of people around town. But where are these newspapers? How can we locate and access them and what strategies can we use to calibrate our search in digitized collections? Join us for a tour around the web as we peek into subscription and free newspaper collections.
Narcan Training for the Community with the SAFE Coalition! Wednesday, January 31st @ 6:30 PM
No Registration Required
Join the SAFE Coalition for a 20 minute training in the implementation of Narcan and be better prepared to save a life. During this training the SAFE Coalition will bring in their CPR dummies, discuss what an opioid and an overdose is, learn how to access for a medical emergency like an overdose, and walk through the steps of administering Narcan.
From the Friends of the Franklin Library…
The New Year is here and we are ready to continue our support of the
Franklin Public Library. Keep reading to find out how you can help us with this mission.
Valentine’s Day Fudge Fundraiser! Fudge + Friends = a VERY sweet deal and we hope you’ll
participate! We are partnering with The Fudge Lady of Uxbridge to offer for sale 15 of her
delicious and decadent homemade specialty fudge flavors. Order as gifts for friends & family,
treat yourself, or do a little bit of both. All fudge purchases help the Friends fund various library
activities. Orders due by Saturday, February 3rd. CLICK HERE to access our Fudge Order Form.
Become a Friend! Please join us at an upcoming meeting (Wednesday, January 10 th & February
7 th are our next meetings) to find out how you can get involved. Don’t have time just now to
attend meetings, no worries, you can still support our mission and the Library by making a
direct donation to the Friends. Membership dues and donations are both tax deductible.